‘Check destructive impact of invasive insects’

To guarantee food security, crop protection expert, Dr Daniel Gwary has called on the government to check the destructive impact of invasive insects on crops.

Gwary, who is of the Department of Crop Protection, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, made the call in the light of the changes caused by climate change, adding that the effects of these insects on crops and food stuffs are now more acute.

Speaking with The Nation, Gwary cited the devasting floods that ravaged some geopolitical regions of the country as an example, saying that faming communities have been affected.

He said the floods have in its wake acted as a transportation agent for some of these insects

He said there is need for more surveillance to stop such invasive species from entering the country as they could cause massive crop damage.

According to him, many species are carried into the country by people who are either unaware of the laws or are trying to beat them.

He said fruits, vegetables and spices tainted with insects or infections, could destroy crops.

According to him, the insects target farms and agricultural regions, and that the climate change make it easy for foreign species to survive and reproduce in their new homes.

He said the government needs to put plant and insect scientists along customs officers at the borders to stop the country’s exposure to destructive insects and infections.

He said plant-protection professionals have to be sent to identified pest-stricken areas.

According to him, farmers are likely to confront more aggressive and invasive insects with increased use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Where increases in water and chemical inputs become necessary, he said this will increase costs for the farmer.

The Northern region suffers from food insecurity issues, including locusts which invade the area threatening local agriculture and intensifying food shortage crisis.

According to him, locusts also pose a threat to crops as they can migrate over huge distances.

He said there is a high risk when the number of locust increases. ‘’If they aren’t controlled, the locusts could move across the region. If nothing is done,’’ he said, ‘’there is the potential for another plague.’’

He said the governments in the North mobilised teams into the remote locust areas to control the spread, adding that campaigns are carried out to help the affected areas.